Nectarine tree named ‘August Chief’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  var.  nucipersica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Tree with vigorous, upright growth.   2. Regular and productive bearer of large size fruit.   3. Fruit having a high degree of attractive red skin color.   4. Fruit with very good mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor.   5. Firm, yellow flesh fruit with good shipping quality.

Botanical designation: Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

Variety denomination: ‘August Chief’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

1. Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofnectarine tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

2. Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of nectarine trees, which are known to us,and mentioned herein, ‘Honey Kist’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No.9,333), ‘Honey Diva’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,291) and theproprietary non-patented nectarine seedling selections ‘25LD605’,‘41GF131’ and ‘63EC416’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var.nucipersica) was originated by us in our experimental orchard locatednear Modesto, Calif. as a first generation cross between our proprietarynon-patented nectarine seedling selections with the field identificationnumbers ‘25LD605’ and ‘41GF131’. The proprietary non-patented nectarineseed parent ‘25LD605’ originated as an open pollinated seedlingselection from ‘Honey Kist’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,333). Theproprietary non-patented nectarine pollen parent ‘41GF131’ originated asan open pollinated seedling selection from our proprietary non-patentednectarine seedling ‘63EC416’. We planted and maintained a large numberof these first generation seedlings on their own root system. Underclose and careful evaluation we recognized the desirable tree and fruitcharacteristics of the present variety and selected it in 2000 foradditional asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 2000 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety ofnectarine tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented),as performed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree andall characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established andtransmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The present new variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var.nucipersica) is of large size, vigorous, upright growth and a regularand productive bearer of large size, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit. Thefruit is further characterized by having a mild, sweet, sub-acid flavorwith very good eating quality. In comparison to its seed parent‘25LD605’ nectarine (non-patented) the fruit of the new variety islarger in size and is approximately 52 days later in maturity. Incomparison to its non-patented nectarine pollen parent ‘41GF131’ thefruit of the new variety is approximately 5 weeks earlier in maturity.In comparison to the commercial variety ‘Honey Diva’ Nectarine (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 15,291) the fruit of the new variety is larger in sizeand is approximately 6 days earlier in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new nectarine variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from a 14 year old tree and the colors are as nearlytrue as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofnectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observationsof 14 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color inaccordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and            width for economical harvesting of fruit. Size varies with            different cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 to 2 meters in height the            first growing season. Varies with soil type, fertility of            soil and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 35°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit            necessary for desired market size. Fruit set varies with            climatic conditions during bloom time.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 12 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.        -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to allow            more sunlight to center of tree to enhance fruit color and            health of fruit wood.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement approximately 850 hours at or below 45°            F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average circumference 53.3 cm at 25.4 cm above            ground on a 14 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 5/2 to 10YR 3/4.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average circumference 19.8 cm at 1.2 meters            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 35°, increases with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increases with age.        -   Lenticels.—Average number 14 in a 25.8 square cm section.            Average length 5.5 mm. Average width 1.7 mm. Color varies            from 7.5YR 5/10 to 10YR 6/12.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 5/8 to 10YR 4/8. Mature            growth varies from 7.5YR 3/6 to 7.5YR 2/4, varies with age            of growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 163.7 mm. Average width 45.3 mm.        -   Form.—Lanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight            indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces            glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 11.2 mm. Average width 1.9 mm.            Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous. Color varies            from 5GY 5/8 to 5GY 4/6.        -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — large. Average length            1.4 mm. Average diameter 1.1 mm. Number varies from 2 to 6,            average number 3. Located primarily on the base of leaf            blade and upper portion of the petiole. Color varies from            5GY 5/8 to 5GY 4/8.        -   Stipules.—Average number 2. Average length 14.4 mm. Edges —            pectinate. Color varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 5/8.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 4/8 to 7.5GY 3/6. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 4/6 to 5GY 3/6. Midvein color varies            from 5GY 7/6 to 5GY 7/8.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 16.7 mm. Average diameter 9.4            mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated just before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 2.9 mm. Average width 1.5 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/8. Surface glabrous.        -   Density.—Light to medium.        -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 7/10 to 7.5RP 7/8.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 16, 2014. Date of            Petal Fall Feb. 26, 2014, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Size.—Large, showy. Average height 20.0 1.6 mm. Average            diameter 35.6 mm.        -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —            large. Average length 20.1 mm. Average width 15.9 mm. Form —            elliptical. Petal apex — rounded. Petal base — acuminate.            Arrangement — overlapping. Margin — sinuate. Color varies            from 5RP 8/4 to 5RP 6/8, fades with age of flower.        -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —            medium to large. Average length 5.6 mm. Average width            5.1 mm. Shape — ovate, apex rounded. Margin — entire.            Surface — upper surface glabrous, lower surface pubescent.            Color — upper surface varies from 2.5GY 5/8 to 5GY 5/6.            Lower surface varies from 5R 3/4 to 5R 2/6.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 45. Average filament            length 14.5 mm. On average, the stamens are even with the            height of the petals. Filament color varies from N            9.5/(white) to 5RP 4/6. Anther color varies from 7.5Y 8.5/6            to 7.5R 3/8.        -   Pollen.—Self-fertile. Color varies from 5Y 8.5/10 to 5Y            8.5/12.        -   Pistil.—Number — normally 1. Average length 16.6 mm.            Position of stigma an average of 1.4 mm below anthers.            Surface — glabrous. Color varies from 10Y 7/8 to 10Y 7/10.        -   Fragrance.—Slight aroma.        -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 8/4 to 5RP 8/6.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 3.7 mm. Average width 1.4 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/8. Surface glabrous.        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Normally one.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready for            consumption.        -   Date of first picking.—Aug. 7, 2014.        -   Date of last picking.—Aug. 17, 2014, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 73.7 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 79.8 mm. Average weight 267.0            grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of            thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose.        -   Suture.—Slightly lipped.        -   Ventral surface.—Smooth to slightly lipped.        -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.        -   Base.—Flat to slightly retuse.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 6.3 mm. Average diameter 12.2 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 9.4 mm. Average            diameter 4.0 mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5Y 6/10 to 10Y 6/6.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty, crisp.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Firm, comparable to other commercial nectarine            varieties.        -   Aroma.—Slight.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Very good.        -   Flavor.—Very good, with a mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor.        -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.        -   Acidity.—Not available.        -   Brix.—Average Brix 16.0°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 8.5/12 to 5Y 8/10.        -   Pit cavity.—Average length 38.3 mm. Average width 30.3 mm.            Average depth 13.4 mm. Color varies from 2.5Y 8/10 to 7.5R            3/10.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Pubescence.—Wanting.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 5Y 8/8 to 5Y 8/10.            Overspread with 7.5R 3/10 to 7.5R 2/8.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Undetected.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone, strong adherence to flesh.        -   Size.—Large. Average length 37.3 mm. Average width 29.3 mm.            Average thickness 24.7 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 2.7 mm.        -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from round to            elongated.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from suture            plane.        -   Ridges.—Relatively smooth, narrow ridges extending from base            toward apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 3/4 to 10R 2/6 when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 17.9 mm. Average width 12.5 mm.            Average depth 6.6 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin color.—Varies from 5GY 9/6 to 5Y 8/8.-   Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage at 38° to 42° F.    for 2 weeks without internal breakdown of flesh or appreciable loss    of flavor.-   Shipping quality: Good, minimal, skin scarring or bruising of flesh    during picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection    observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal    fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and    eliminated from our breeding program. No atypical    resistances/susceptibilities have been noted under normal cultural    practices. The present new variety of nectarine tree, its flowers,    foliage and fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to    climate, soil conditions and cultural practices under which the    variety may be grown. The present description is that of the variety    grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Modesto,    Calif.

It is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, (Prunuspersica var. nucipersica) substantially as illustrated and described.